Your air conditioner is going to spend all of its life outside, so should you be worried about what Mother Nature plans on throwing at it? In a word, no. Air conditioners are built with the elements in mind, and there is a wide range of weather conditions your A/C unit can combat before seeing any problems.
However, this doesn’t mean they are indestructible. While a little drizzle here and there won’t harm the A/C, there are other weather conditions to consider when protecting it.
What to Look Out For
If all you are worried about is going to be rain, your A/C unit is quite safe. The unit is built and sealed so it can survive all seasons with little to no problems. However, some stronger weather conditions can make a dent in the integrity of your system if you are not careful.
Lightning
If your A/C unit is more exposed to the open sky, there is a possibility it could attract a lightning strike. Lightning will cause a power surge that can ruin the outdoor compressor, stopping the refrigerant inside from flowing through the system and cooling inside your home. If this is a concern for you, you can power down the A/C unit at the breaker before the storm happens.
Floods
Floods can cause incredible damage to not only your A/C unit, but your entire home. If you believe you will be experiencing a flood soon, power off your air conditioner. Water can short circuit the electronics inside, rendering the whole unit powerless. Once the flooding has run its course, speak to our HVAC experts to help you get your conditioner back up and running. Water can still be present inside, so having a professional check the state the interior will prevent you from causing more damage to your air conditioner.
Hail, Sleet, & Wind
A custom-fit cover will add an extra level of protection perfect against hail and sleet. Don’t wrap your A/C unit with plastic or tarps as these could block the ventilation inside the unit, trapping moisture and causing corrosion.
Snow
Not unlike hail or sleet, the best way to keep your A/C unit safe during the winter is by using a custom-fit cover. Using plastic or tarps can trap moisture and eventually cause corrosion.
Home Aire Care is Here For You!
To answer the question presented at the top: rain will have little to no effect on the life of your air conditioner. However, being prepared can mean a world of difference when it comes to heavier and harsher weather conditions. Speak to our professionals about the best way to prep your air conditioner.
Updated November, 2019.
